Welcome. I'm a retired U.S. Army officer and former newspaper editor who embarked on my journey into Tai Chi while still in active service. Although my initial interest was piqued during my military days, my pursuit of Tai Chi was temporarily sidelined by time constraints and professional respons…
FAQs:
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ; Portuguese: jiu-jitsu brasileiro [ʒiw ˈʒitsu bɾaziˈlejɾu, ʒu -]) is a self-defense martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. BJJ approaches self-defense by emphasizing taking an opponent to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.
What Does a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Do?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors teach students self-defense techniques in the Jiu-Jitsu style of martial arts. In this role, their job duties include showing students how to correctly perform physical moves and helping them develop stamina, strength, and flexibility. They create a positive learning environment for your students and support them in developing confidence and achieving their fitness goals. During class, they emphasize safety while leading fun, challenging workouts and practice sessions that motivate their students to keep improving their skills. They may also provide general information on health and fitness and be responsible for operational and administrative tasks, such as maintaining equipment and tracking attendance.
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Effective?
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighting style is one of the most complex Martial Arts in the grappling family. The art consists of a multitude of highly efficient and deadly maneuvers. All fights start on the feet, where a practitioner will utilize various techniques inspired by Judo and Wrestling, to take their opponents down to the mat. Once the fight is grounded then we see what BJJ is really all about, as they will use a highly strategic series of positional control elements and a fast and smooth transition system which leads to an extremely technical submission finish.
Is Jiu Jitsu a Good Workout?
When people think of a full-body workout, jiu-jitsu is often the first thing that comes to mind. This activity improves flexibility, body strength, and conditioning while burning calories. Training in BJJ sport, whether you are a child, a man, or a woman, will help you develop excellent fitness abilities. It gives access to several intense rolling rounds on the mats, warm-up exercises, technique drilling with multiple repetitions, etc., that will boost your metabolism. Aside from that, jiu-jitsu is a very social grappling sport. So, in addition to building muscle, you’ll make new friends and get to know your opponents better. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a superb exercise workout. It engages all of the muscles in the body, making it one of the most impressive martial arts to learn and practice in the world.
What is the Difference Between Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Although jujitsu is hundreds of years old, it still relies on many of its original principles and techniques. Since this martial art was originally developed for samurai, Japanese jujitsu is suitable for real-life combat situations. It is often taught in a very traditional setting where discipline is greatly valued. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, on the other hand, is primarily used for sports with a primary focus on grappling. For this reason, some of the techniques taught in BJJ may not be applicable in real-life situations but will win points in the competition.
Is Jiu Jitsu Safe?
Compared to many other Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the safest combat sports to practise. When new students join BJJ academies, they will soon learn how respectable Martial Art is. Training in BJJ is a humbling experience, as any egotistical people are exposed and weeded out of the sport. When you train in a combat sport that involves practitioners showing an extreme amount of duty of care, then prospective students can rest easy knowing they are in good hands. Even though Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has some significant dangers attached, there is a reason why Jiu Jitsu means gentle art. This combat form is one of the only sports in that a practitioner can calmly, and gently subdue an opponent. When a student finds themself in a deadly submission, all they have to do is tap the mat. Most students are extremely safe while they are training, especially higher level practitioners, as they have an extreme amount of experience and know when to let go of submissions, they will also have a considerable peripheral awareness, meaning they are always being careful of other training partners that surround them on the mats.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Good Self-Defense?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art that uses skeletal leverage to either a) create space or b) take it away. Often, the two are used in conjunction to control the movement of another person who may be significantly stronger than the grappler but does not understand how to use their body in the same way. In essence, an education in Jiu-Jitsu is an education in space management. This is why BJJ is such a versatile tool in violent interactions. If someone is looking to strike, you can control them until help arrives or send them into a dreamlike slumber with a choke simply by taking away the correct space. If someone is looking to take control of you or put you in a compromising position, you can create the necessary space to get away or stop the assault. Since most people are not familiar with these concepts, it doesn’t take much training to be significantly more advanced than an untrained person.
How Much are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes?
Generally speaking, BJJ classes are priced similarly to other fitness classes or martial arts programs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 per month for unlimited access to classes, with additional fees for private lessons or specialty workshops. Some academies offer discounts for students or those who commit to long-term memberships. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth considering community centers or recreation departments that offer BJJ classes at a lower cost.
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Worth It?
If Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not the best fit for your needs, don’t beat yourself up about that. No one can tell you what is ‘worth it’ to you or not.
BJJ may be worth it to you if you’re:
1. Seeking to gain coordination, athleticism, balance, and strength.
2. Patient and willing to wait for significant success and progress.
3. Looking for a practice that challenges you mentally and physically.
4. Wanting an athletic community to grow and improve in.
BJJ may not be worth it to you if you’re:
1. Seeking a more budget-friendly activity.
2. Wanting to street fight, strike, and spar (not grapple).
3. Looking for a fast turnaround or quick results.
4. Already heavily committed to a sport and want to avoid overtraining and injury.
The more you train, the better you will become, and you will notice a distinct difference in your ability to focus. BJJ (and all MMA disciplines) teaches you to release stress and the daily noise in our heads to focus on the task at hand with clarity. It will be worth it to you if you can see it for what it is.
Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is Good for You?
Your overall physical endurance gets better over time as you learn BJJ. Since grappling arts such as BJJ involve your entire body, your cardiovascular system will get stronger. You’ll have more energy to go throughout the day whether you’re at work or taking care of tasks at home.
One of the natural benefits of learning BJJ is you improve your flexibility and overall mobility. BJJ teaches you how to move more efficiently. Your range of motion will be better as a result of doing warmups and drilling techniques you learn in class.
Consistently doing difficult things will help you be able to focus more. BJJ teaches you to be mentally present. You learn how to commit your brainpower towards whatever you’re trying to accomplish such as finishing a submission or recovering from a hard throw. This ability to focus will help you in other areas of your life such as work and family relationships.
A Brief History Of Jiu-Jitsu
In the last days of the 19th century, some Jiu-Jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to other continents, teaching martial arts as well as taking part in fights and competitions. Mitsuyo Maeda was one such master. Maeda arrived in Brazil in 1915 and settled in Belem do Para, where he met a man named Gastao Gracie.
The father of eight children, among them five boys and three girls, Gastao became a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and brought his oldest son, Carlos, to learn from the Japanese master.
For a naturally frail fifteen-year-old Carlos Gracie, Jiu-Jitsu became a method not simply for fighting, but for personal improvement. At nineteen, he moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family and began teaching and fighting. In his travels, Carlos would teach classes and also prove the efficiency of the art by beating opponents who were physically stronger. In 1925, he returned to Rio and opened the first school, known as the “Academia Gracie de Jiu-Jitsu.”
Jiu-Jitsu promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique.
9 Reasons Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the Perfect Martial Art
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ is a martial art based on grappling and ground fighting, focusing on the skill of controlling one’s opponent through techniques that force him or her to submit. It prides itself in being known as the “gentle art”, allowing a smaller, weaker person to use leverage and submissions (chokes, locks) to defend himself against a bigger opponent. With origins in Judo (Newaza) and Japanese Jujutsu, it has since been adapted and modified by Carlos Gracie and his family to become the martial art it is today. Here are 9 reasons why Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the perfect martial art:
1. It Is One Of The Most Potent, Real-Life Fighting Systems On The Planet.
Contrary to popular belief, studies show that 95% of street fights end on the ground. The techniques you learn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which focuses on taking your opponent down to the ground and keeping them there, enable you to attack or get into a more dominant position. This gives you the upper hand at all times in a real-life self-defense situation.
2. It Will Be Your Second Line Of Defense.
In the event that you find yourself in a precarious situation, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great second line of defense in case striking doesn’t work. As mentioned above, a street fight will most probably end on the ground, thus enabling you to incapacitate your opponent with submissions should the occasion arise.
3. Anyone Can Practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Anyone: women, men, and even children as young as four years old can practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Because it is an art that is designed for a smaller, weaker practitioner to subdue much larger and stronger opponents, virtually anyone of any size, age, or sex can practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
4. It Is A Martial Art That Sharpens The Mind.
Also known as the “game of human chess”, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners utilize a lot of strategy and technique in order to beat their opponents. In fact, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student will probably come across hundreds of techniques and concepts in just a few years of training!
5. It Is A Great Workout.
One of the greatest benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is how your body changes without you realizing it. Constant drilling sessions and sparring will certainly have an effect on your body! Because you’ve become so focused on learning new techniques, you don’t realize how much weight you’ve lost or how much flexibility you’ve gained in the process. Any workout that doesn’t seem like one is definitely a plus.
6. It Is One Of The Best Bases For Mixed Martial Arts.
What do all of the top MMA fighters have in common: a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Anyone who has a solid base in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has the upper hand once the fight hits the ground. It is a great defense against wrestlers as well as strikers who aren’t as adept in the art. In fact, more fighters who aren’t as highly ranked in BJJ have found it necessary to learn how to defend it or prevent it from being used.
7. It Builds Character.
There are days when you feel like you’re at the top of the world and then there are some days where you wonder why you even bothered to attend class. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu exposes you to a roller coaster of emotions that not only makes you stronger physically but mentally and emotionally as well. You have to be ready to accept failure, learn from it and move on. Doing so determines how far you’ll succeed in the martial art.
8. It Promotes Continuous Self-Improvement.
Whether you are a black belt or a white belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to accept that you will never fully become a master of your martial art of choice. Not only are there hundreds of techniques out there but there are also new ones being discovered everyday. You then realize that the only way to improve is to continuously work on it everyday and remind yourself that you have a lot to learn. By taking it one step at a time and acknowledging your achievements, who knows how far you’ll go?
9. The Lessons You Learn On The Mat Can Be Applied To Your Daily Life.
The more you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the more focused you become on the bigger picture; an important lesson you learn on the mats. Now, nothing can faze you. Whether it’s stress from work or being dumped by a boyfriend or girlfriend, you realize that some things aren’t worth beating yourself up over, giving you an edge over those who aren’t used to experiencing duress on a daily basis.
The Basic BJJ Positions and Techniques for Beginners
Your first few months in BJJ can be quite confusing and frustrating, as you quickly learn that even the much smaller blue (and even) belts can easily get you to the ground and choke you out cold. There is just so much to take in! This is why the instructors at the ICC take special care to teach beginners the fundamentals and make sure they master the most efficient techniques as soon as possible.
So, what are the basic BJJ positions and techniques that every beginner has to learn to become an effective grappler? Keep reading to find out.
1. DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN
It’s easy to forget that all fights start standing up when you get caught up in ground work, but every beginner needs to have this highly effective takedown in their arsenal.
2. THE MOUNT
The mount is a dominant position, and one from which you can work towards a variety of submissions, or end the fight with strikes in an MMA or self defence context. You should work on maintaining this position and setting up different moves from it.
3. THE GUARD
This is your primary base of defence when an opponent gets the better of you in the initial seconds of an altercation and you can’t control how things go to the ground, which is why it is incredibly important. There are a number of escapes and interesting transitions into attacks from this position, so it’s a good idea to get comfortable working from it.
4. SIDE CONTROL
A versatile position that allows you to transition to full mount, work on different submissions, or get into position to deliver potent strikes. You’ll often end up here during transitions, or in MMA style bouts, so make sure you are comfortable in this position.
5. BRIDGING
An important concept in in grappling arts from wrestling to BJJ, bridging allows you to create space, put your opponent off balance and work towards escaping from the bottom. It should be drilled religiously, as it is one of the core moves that everyone uses in BJJ.
6. HIP ESCAPE
Often used in combination with bridging in an escape that some like to call shrimping, the hip escape is another one of those fundamental BJJ moves on which you can later build a solid ground game. Make sure you practice it over and over, and on opponents of different body types and sizes.
7. GUILLOTINE AND HEADLOCK ESCAPES
As any self defence professional will tell you, headlocks and guillotine chokes are the most common grappling techniques you will encounter on the streets and schoolyards of this great city. This is why it is important to learn how to effectively escape headlocks, both standing and on the ground.
8. STANDING GUARD PASS
Since we’ve covered the defensive side of things, it’s time to look at passing the opponent’s guard when you are in top position. The standing guard pass is a relatively intuitive move that works well for both bigger and smaller people, which is why most BJJ Sydney based gyms will have their white belts focus on it.
9. OVER-UNDER GUARD PASS
The over-under is a staple move in BJJ and a good way to move into a more advantageous position and start working on your submissions. It is a highly effective technique when done right, and it is commonly used by everyone from beginners to high level competitors.
10. CROSS COLLAR CHOKE
Moving on to attacks, the cross collar choke is one of the first things you should learn as a BJJ beginner, as it can be used from the bottom or the top, on the ground or standing. It is also a good self defence technique, as it allows a much smaller person to quickly choke out a much larger assailant, even from a disadvantageous position.
11. REAR NAKED CHOKE
The go-to move for grapplers and MMA fighters alike, the rear naked choke is a highly versatile, high percentage move that ends fights quickly. It is also a favorite of doormen working in clubs and bars, which is a testament to its effectiveness as a self-defense technique – a lot of people can take hard punches and keep coming, but everyone can be choked out by a quick and tight rear naked choke.
12. TRIANGLE CHOKE FROM GUARD
This is the move that has turned the tides in many MMA fights and it has rightfully earned its place as one of the most effective fight stoppers out there. It is also quite comforting for a beginner to know that they have a powerful weapon at their disposal, even when the opponent is bearing down on them from top position and raining punches, like we saw in the first Silva vs Sonnen fight.
13. STRAIGHT ARMBAR
It is considered to be an excellent first style where the skills are easily transferable.
10 Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Why does BJJ continue to grow in popularity? What are some of the benefits you can experience from learning BJJ? Here are some of the top reasons why people train:
1. Make new friends: There’s nothing like the BJJ community! You’ll get to experience the bond that comes from training together. BJJ is challenging both physically and mentally so you’ll quickly learn to work with your teammates to make real progress. As you learn and grow, you will be able to create lifelong memories and friendships.
2. Learn self-defense: Knowing what to do in a bad situation requires intentional training over time. BJJ will give you a better understanding of how to avoid conflict and what to do if you need to deal with an attacker. Classes will cover different topics such as what to do if someone mounts you or tries to choke you. Over time, you’ll develop a skill set to help you be better prepared to handle conflict.
3. Learn a new hobby: Adding to who you are as an individual can come in the form of picking up a new hobby. Some of the benefits that come with learning a new hobby include increasing your overall happiness and helping you not feel bored. You’ll feel less stressed and be more patient with yourself. You give yourself a healthy outlet to look forward to throughout the week
4. Improve your full-body strength: All forms of grappling such as Jiu Jitsu require you to engage your entire body as you work for takedowns, escape submissions, and launch your offense. Doing the movements your instructor has you do will develop everything including your upper body, core, and legs. Your body will get stronger as you train consistently.
5. Better cardio: Your overall physical endurance gets better over time as you learn BJJ. Since grappling arts such as BJJ involve your entire body, your cardiovascular system will get stronger. You’ll have more energy to go throughout the day whether you’re at work or taking care of tasks at home.
6. Weight loss: If you’re trying to shed the extra pounds, BJJ is a great form of exercise. You’re constantly engaging multiple muscle groups in every Jiu Jitsu class. The constant movement from warmups at the start of class to rolling during open mat will help you burn calories.
7. Greater flexibility and movement: One of the natural benefits of learning BJJ is you improve your flexibility and overall mobility. BJJ teaches you how to move more efficiently. Your range of motion will be better as a result of doing warmups and drilling techniques you learn in class.
8. Mental focus: Consistently doing difficult things will help you be able to focus more. BJJ teaches you to be mentally present. You learn how to commit your brainpower towards whatever you’re trying to accomplish such as finishing a submission or recovering from a hard throw. This ability to focus will help you in other areas of your life such as work and family relationships.
9. Critical thinking: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives you regular opportunities to test out solutions to problems you’re dealing with on the mat. You receive instant feedback as to whether or not what you’re doing works. This style of learning can be encouraging as you encounter problems outside of your gym since learning a new skill helps you develop stronger neural connections.
10. Pure fun: There’s nothing like the amount of fun you’ll have from training! While training can be physically and mentally challenging, it’s not uncommon to see everyone on the mat smiling. You’ll have a great time as you work with your friends and grow together on your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Which of the benefits above surprised you the most? All of the benefits you just read are yours to have when you train consistently. As with any skill, you’ll see growth and progress as you regularly attend class. You are one giant step closer towards your fitness/self-defense goals every time you train!
Who Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is Best For
The expression attached to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is, “BJJ is for everyone.”
When people say this, what they mean is that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is suited to those that are:
1. Young – Children are regularly seen in MMA, karate, and BJJ training from an early age.
2. Old – Helio Gracie was an active BJJ competitor until age 95.
3. Handicapped – Those with amputated limbs have also experienced great success as it is floor grappling focused on your core.
4. Healthy – Will get even healthier.
5. Athletic – If you are already training in other athletic activities, BJJ can offer an added dynamic of body understanding. It may translate to your other sports and increase your balance, coordination, patience, and skill level.
6. Non-athletic – You will gain the same advantages of someone that is athletic but perhaps notice the impact of BJJ as the significantly responsible source.
7. Blind – You don’t need sight to be on the ground. It’s a body-intensive workout that you are linked to your opponent to feel where they are moving next.
8. Deaf
9. Short
10. Tall
11. Skinny
12. Overweight
13. Male
14. Female
And the list goes on.
This is why the masses say, “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for everyone.”
How to Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Deciding to train BJJ is one of the best decisions you could ever make. You get to destress with a phenomenal workout, and you learn practical self-defense skills that might come in handy sometime. You also get to have lots of fun and meet cool people from all walks of life.
How you approach your training determines how fast you progress through the ranks. Here are some tips that will help you to get the most out of your training.
1. Train Regularly
You can’t show up at the gym once a week, then wonder why you’re still getting tapped by new-student white belts one year into your training. The only thing worse than that is showing up sporadically. Anyone who wants to learn BJJ quickly should be committed to their training. Aim to train at least four times each week, so you’re regularly learning new techniques and working on the ones you already know. It also shows your instructor how committed you are, which makes them more likely to keep an eye on your training and progression.
2. Use All Of Your Training Partners
You’re probably going to like some of your training partners more than others, and that can lead to you spending more time training and rolling with those closest to you. That has some benefits since you know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so you can push each other to grow. However, you should also get lots of training with everyone else at the gym. Training with people of varying skills, sizes, and styles helps to develop a more rounded game. Training partners with atypical body types – like the super tall guy at the gym – are the best since they give you a unique look. It helps you to develop a versatile fighting style.
3. Work On Your Cardio
Regularly getting winded as you train or roll will slow down your progression. Training regularly helps a lot here since it drastically improves your cardio. You can also add exercises like running, interval sprints, and swimming to your fitness routine, so fatigue is no longer a factor when you train.
4. Improve Your Flexibility
Watch most elite-level BJJ players closely, and you’ll notice they are incredibly flexible. Names like Eddie Bravo and BJ Penn come to mind. Techniques like triangle chokes require lots of flexibility in the legs and hips to execute. Being flexible can also make it easier for you to escape submissions. We’ve all watched fights where one fighter escaped a tight joint lock – that many people would have tapped out to – due to their flexibility.
5. Perform BJJ Specific Drills
Drills like bear crawls, crocodile crawls, and triangle drills work many of the muscles you use as you train BJJ. Use these exercises to strengthen your body for BJJ and add them to your fitness routine.
6. Master The Basic First
It’s easy to get carried away with trying to learn spectacular techniques like the helicopter armbar. That would be silly since such techniques are rarely used in real competitions. Avoid falling into that trap and focus on the fundamentals. It’s the basic stuff like keeping your elbows inside, never being flat on your back, and being able to reverse any position that separates the best BJJ players from everyone else.
7. Don’t Worry About Getting Tapped Out
Worrying about winning sparring matches takes away from your training. You focus more on winning, instead of learning. Sparring is about the latter, so always keep that in mind. Don’t be afraid to go for a technique even if there’s a good chance it leads to your opponent getting an advantage on you. Sparring is where you test out things you’ll use in competitions or self-defense scenarios.
8. Work On Your Weakness
This ties into our last point. You won’t get better if you don’t fix your weaknesses. Most sparring partners won’t have a problem accommodating you. For example, if you always find yourself trapped in the bottom half guard position. Tell your sparring partner so you can start from there when you roll. You’ll be sweeping opponents from there in no time.
9. Study The Greats
Thanks to the internet, it is now easier than ever to learn from the best. Watch videos of top competitors and pay attention to the techniques that work best for them so you can add them to your arsenal.
10. Compete
BJJ tournaments are a great way to perfect your techniques even if you don’t plan to compete professionally. You get to compete against equally skilled, similarly-sized BJJ fighters who you have never trained with before. It’s a richer experience than sparring with the same people all the time.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Protective Gear
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned BJJ athlete, there’s a BJJ gear checklist that will help you put together the ultimate gear that you’ll need and want. If you are a beginner, this is for you. Maybe someone has introduced you to the incredible benefits of BJJ or was inspired by some cool video on your explore page on Instagram. Whatever the reason that has led you to begin your BJJ journey, good on you. There’s a good amount to know, but that’s okay – that just means more opportunity to learn. This will cover both traditional BJJ gear and style!
MOUTH GUARDS
BJJ is 100% a contact sport and protection must be paramount when training and in competition. While the main objective of the training isn’t necessarily to strike, accidents still do happen and protection is needed. With grappling art, every part of the body falls within a “vulnerable” category or potentially at risk. A mouthguard is one piece of gear that everyone needs and it is a form of gear that prevents injuries rather than helping you get through them. There are different types of mouthguards – some made from rubber and others from a thermoplastic material.
GROIN PROTECTORS
Highly recommended because it is easy for a knee, foot, or something else to get planted right where you don’t want it. The groin is exposed to a variety of BJJ techniques and movements. A groin protector typically comes with a supporter that is used to ensure a good fit and prevent shifting. Keep in mind comfort, size, protection, and price when looking to invest in a groin protector.
HEADGEAR
You’ve probably heard of the cauliflower ear or other conditions that can be caused by trauma – usually an accidental strike or repeatedly pulling the head out of chokeholds. There is friction in the ear that can cause the skin to separate from the cartilage. This then results in a mangled-looking ear caused by the calcification of the blood that fills up in between the cartilage and the skin. Honestly, not the most ideal look nor ideal for one’s hearing. To prevent cauliflower ear, get some headgear and use it.
KNEE PADS / BRACES
There is no doubt that BJJ will put a strain on the knees. Think about it. You’re constantly posturing, landing, and twisting the knee as you roll. Bruised knees and popped kneecaps are standard injuries in BJJ. The good news is that knee pads/braces are used to prevent these types of injuries. The biggest part to pay attention to with knee pads or braces is to find something low-key and flexible. You don’t want your knees or flexibility to be restricted and impede on properly executing the technique.
Most Common Injuries in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, some injuries are more common than others. BJJ consists of grappling and controlling your opponent instead of punching and kicking, so certain parts of your body get used more than others.
When it comes to these spots, though, your instructor is going to teach you the best ways to deal with these injuries, along with putting you in position to not have them in the first place. This can help you learn how to stay safe training Jiu Jitsu. Here are some of the most common injuries:
1. Fingers
Whether it’s jammed or broken fingers, everything that you do on your mat is a liability to your fingers getting hurt in some way. This is part of the fighting style, though, and in most cases, your fingers are less likely to get hurt in BJJ over any other style.
2. Lower Back
There could be some cases where you’re going to be grappling with someone, and your back can get twisted in a way that it’s not supposed to. It’s important to have some way to seek medical help when you feel back pain. This could lead to more of a strain on your back and turn into long-term injuries if not handled right away.
3. Knees
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is known for their leg locks, but if they’re not performed correctly and with the right technique, it could cause some harm on your knees. When a knee gets hit into the mat, that’s fixable with some ice. But any more serious pain will need to be examined by a doctor to make sure the ligaments are okay.
4. Shoulders
Shoulders can have some common injuries caused by things like arm attacks, twists from rolling, and active posting. Your instructor will teach you to keep your elbows closed to your sides to help alleviate a lot of the stress that can be put on your shoulders and hopefully prevent any bad injury.
5. Ears
Probably one of the trademarks of martial arts, in general, is something known as “cauliflower ears”. This happens when you grapple with training partners and your ears cartilage bends in certain directions causing them to swell up. The effect of your ears looking like cauliflower is your body’s way of trying to heal them. Icing your ears can be recommended and physicians can offer some medicine to help with inflammation as well.
Find a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School Near You
Once you have a clear understanding of your training goals, the next step is to evaluate potential BJJ schools based on the following criteria:
1. Instructors
The quality and expertise of instructors are paramount when selecting a BJJ school. Look for instructors who possess:
- Credentials: Ensure the instructors have legitimate black belt certifications and affiliations with reputable BJJ organizations.
- Teaching style: A good instructor should be patient, approachable, and capable of breaking down complex techniques into digestible steps.
- Competition experience: Instructors with competition experience can provide valuable insights and strategies for those with aspirations in the competitive arena.
2. Curriculum
A well-rounded and structured curriculum is essential for your progress in BJJ. Consider the following when evaluating a school’s curriculum:
- Balance between techniques and sparring: The curriculum should provide a healthy mix of technique instruction and live sparring sessions.
- Fundamentals-focused approach: Mastery of BJJ fundamentals is crucial for long-term success, so ensure the school has a strong focus on teaching core principles and techniques.
- Specialized classes: Depending on your goals, look for schools that offer specialized classes, such as self-defense, competition preparation, or specific age and skill level classes.
3. Training Environment and Culture
A supportive and positive training environment is crucial for your enjoyment and success in BJJ. Keep the following aspects in mind:
- Cleanliness and hygiene: A clean and well-maintained facility demonstrates the school’s commitment to student health and safety.
- Camaraderie and mutual respect: Observe the interactions between students and instructors to gauge the school’s culture. A welcoming and friendly atmosphere is conducive to learning and personal growth.
- Size and student-to-instructor ratio: Smaller class sizes often lead to more individualized attention from instructors, which can benefit your progress.
4. Schedule and Location
Convenience and accessibility play a significant role in ensuring consistency and commitment to your BJJ training. Evaluate schools based on the following:
- Class schedule: Make sure the school offers classes at times that fit your availability and lifestyle.
- Proximity to home or work: Choosing a school that is close to your home or workplace increases the likelihood of consistent attendance and long-term success.
- Consistency is key. Members should train at least twice a week under our flexible schedule with classes in the early mornings, at noon, in the evenings, and even on weekends.
5. Affordability
While BJJ training can be an investment in your personal growth and well-being, it is essential to find a school that aligns with your budget. Factors to consider include:
- Monthly fees: Compare the monthly costs of different schools to ensure they are reasonable and within your budget.
- Contract terms and conditions: Some schools may require long-term contracts, while others offer month-to-month or flexible payment options. Make sure you understand the terms and any cancellation policies before committing.
- Trial classes or introductory offers: Many BJJ schools offer trial classes or discounted initial rates for new students. This can be an excellent way to test out a school and see if it is the right fit for you before making a long-term financial commitment.
How To Get Started In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has gained immense popularity over the past few decades, not just as a sport and a martial art but also as a way of life for many enthusiasts around the world. But go to any gym, and you will hear about these benefits from students from all walks of life. For those interested in learning how to get started in BJJ, this guide will provide you with the essentials on how to start.
Understanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Before delving into the specifics, it’s vital to comprehend what BJJ is all about. Originating from Japan and then evolving in Brazil, BJJ focuses on ground fighting and submissions, such as chokes and joint locks. BJJ is considered one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense because it emphasizes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant using technique and leverage.
Identify What You Want Out of BJJ
You can gain countless positive things from practicing jiu-jitsu; the physical benefits are just the beginning. Understanding what your goals are and why you want to pursue BJJ will help you stay focused and succeed. There is no single answer, whether it’s to get in better shape, become more mentally and physically disciplined, or learn to remain calm and patient in uncomfortable situations. Your journey is your own.
What to Expect When You Get Started
Starting to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re unsure how to begin. Don’t expect to be an expert right away. Stay humble, patient, and open-minded as you start your training. Martial arts are not easy to master, even if you have an athletic background or experience in another type of grappling discipline.
BJJ is physically demanding, and you will burn many calories each training session, especially while sparring. As a newcomer, expect to be exhausted and sore after class, regardless of your fitness level. BJJ uses parts of the body that most other sports and workouts don’t, so you might have aches in places you’re not used to, such as your ribs. You will learn to use your energy more efficiently as you progress. If you’re out of shape, you should begin regular cardio workouts to prepare for your first class.
As you begin sparring, it’s good practice to tap early and often to avoid injury. If you can check your ego from the beginning, you (and your sparring partners) will have a much more enjoyable time. Finally, make sure to use proper hygiene. That means keeping your nails trimmed (no fake nails), training clothes clean, and your teeth brushed!
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The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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